Joe Cole has cast doubts over Hakim Ziyech’s suitability in a Chelsea shirt.
Speaking on ITV, Cole suggested that the fantastic but often frustrating forward might not be the best fit for the Blues.
This has been a feeling pretty much ever since Ziyech set sail for Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2020.
He arrived in South West London for £33.3m with an excellent reputation forged at Ajax.
But that status is now a shadow that follows the 29-year-old around.
Hakim Ziyech and Chelsea concern
It’s difficult to pin point a period where Ziyech has looked settled at Chelsea.
His place in the side has never been tied down, largely due to the constant rotation of managers coming in and out of Cobham.
Injuries haven’t helped the Moroccan’s cause either, nor have the fresh wave of attackers that seem to appear every few months at the club.
Yet, whenever Ziyech has been afforded a run in the team, he’s rarely grasped the opportunity with both hands.
It is this failure to cement a place at Chelsea that has reportedly lead the chain of command to consider selling the player in January.
Todd Boehly might not make a decision on the left-footed creator until after the World Cup, where his stock is on the rise again.
Ziyech has generally impressed for his nation in Qatar and appears to be far more comfortable in his country’s colours than those of the Blues.
“He just looks like a happier player for Morocco. He’s had a very difficult time at Chelsea and he hasn’t had a rhythm to his game. The Premier League doesn’t suit him. It’s aggressive, up and down,” expressed Cole.
Aggression has never been the former Ajax ace’s strong point.
Intricate play, delicate passes and being deft in possession is where Ziyech thrives.
Can Chelsea offer him that? Currently, no.
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